The global sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) testing market size was valued at $107,024 million in 2015, and is projected to reach $190,010 million by 2022, registering a CAGR of 8.5% over the forecast period. High incidences of STDs and increased governmental support are the factors that drive the market growth. In addition, rise in awareness among people, and patient education are the other pivotal factors that fuel the growth of the market.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact. STDs affect individuals of all ages, however, according to CDC, age group of 15&dash;24 accounts for half of all new STDs infections. Currently, STDs are the most common diseases in U.S., and as per CDC, about 19 million men and women are diagnosed with STDs each year. The disease is caused due to transmission of microbes (bacteria, virus, yeast, and parasites) during sexual intercourse. The disease is diagnosed using laboratory and point-of-care tests such as differential light scattering, ELISA, micro fluidics, and immunochromatographic test (ICTs).

Favorable reimbursement scenario for STD tests in the U.S. market is set to further drive the market growth. This report provides deep understanding of the laboratory claims for STD tests in the U.S. Claims for laboratory services must include an ICD-10-CM codes, which are found in the “ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code” column of the laboratory services grid. For several laboratory tests, only ICD-10-CM codes are required for reimbursement. Some of the laboratory tests also require an additional code for reimbursement, which provides the medical necessity to perform tests. Since 2011, CMS covers screening for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and HPV with the appropriate FDA-approved lab tests used with FDA-approved labeling and in compliance with CLIA regulations when ordered by a primary care provider, and performed by an eligible Medicare provider for these services.

However, stigma related to voluntary testing and critical regulatory compliance forms are the restraints for the market. However, global initiatives along with development in healthcare infrastructure are projected to provide platform for the market growth.

STDs testing market is segmented into laboratory and point-of-care testing devices. Based on laboratory testing devices, the market is divided into PCR, immunochromatographic capillary flow dipstick technology (assays), flow cytometry, differential light scattering, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). On the basis of point-of-care testing devices, the market is further segmented into rapid diagnostic kits, phone chips, microfluidics, and immunochromatographic tests. Currently, laboratories perform bulk of the tests, and are anticipated to continue to hold larger share of the market, both in terms of volume and revenue.

Flow cytometry is expected to grow fastest, owing to its cost-effectiveness and accuracy of these tests for the diagnosis of STDs in laboratories. However, trained personnel and expensive equipment are required for using this technology, which can be a prime cause of concern.

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The sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) testing market is growing at a remarkable pace globally, owing to rise in incidences of fatal STDs, increased implementation of service provider-initiated counseling and testing (PICT) & client-initiated counseling and testing (CICT), and development of novel technologies such as microfluidics and rapid diagnostics kits to test HIV at home. With the rise in prevalence of STDs, the diagnosis of the disease is also increasing. For instance, as per CDC, about 20 million new STD cases are diagnosed each year. The diagnosis of STDs is facilitated through laboratory and point-of-care testing devices.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) segment dominated the overall market with a share of more than half of the overall market in 2015, and is projected to continue to lead the market during the forecast period. This is attributed to effective detection offered by this technology and high adoption in developed economies. Moreover, flow cytometry is expected to grow fastest after microfluidics, owing to its cost-effectiveness and accuracy for the diagnosis of STDs in laboratories. However, trained personnel and expensive equipment are required to use these devices, which can be a prime cause of concern.

Favorable reimbursement policies for STD tests plays a vital role in the growth of the U.S. market. The tests that are used in the diagnosis of STDs (such as chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes simplex, human papilloma virus, and HIV) are reimbursed in the U.S. by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) through different CPT codes (as per ICD-10 that was implemented in October 2015). However, the tests for the diagnosis of chancroid are not covered by the CMS due to the unavailability of FDA-approved diagnostic tests for this disease in the U.S., as very few people are diagnosed in the country each year. Moreover, it is studied that most of the individuals in the U.S. who are diagnosed with this infection have traveled outside the country to areas where chancroid is more common.